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Notre Dame College to Turn in Helmets for Hard Hats, Make Dream Come True for Disabled USMC Veteran

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio — 24 April 2014

WHAT: Giving Back: A home construction project for disabled ex-Marine in South Euclid sponsored by Purple Heart Homeswith support from NDC student-athletes

WHO: USMC veteran Leo Robinson, who served in Iraq where he sustained injuries that will permanently impact his life.

Twelve NDC Falcon Football players, inspired by Coach Adam Howard and led by assistant coach Carter Welo, will be assisting in the demolition of a kitchen and the remodeling of the basement for veteran Robinson

WHERE: 4121 Harwood Road, South Euclid, Ohio, 44121

WHEN: The Notre Dame College Football team will be participating in a “Purple Heart Homes” project on Friday April 25 beginning at 12:30 p.m.

WHY: At Notre Dame College, a major part of student life is service to others who are less fortunate. For student-athletes, the NCAA philosophy of “life in the balance” is the guiding principle by which they learn to be students first and athletes second, and giving back is something they do, not just talk about.

Purple Heart Homes Inc., a nonprofit organization founded by Veterans for Veterans, is on a mission to answer the unmet housing needs of all service-connected disabled veterans from all conflicts. The lives of its founders, Dale Beatty and John Gallina, changed forever when the vehicle they were driving hit an anti-tank mine that exploded, leaving Beatty a double amputee below the knees and Galina with severe back injuries, TBI and PTSD. Their shared experience created a strong sense of community and their military training instilled a strong humanitarian spirit, together they co-founded Purple Heart Homes in 2008. Both Beatty and Gallina were trained to not leave a wounded soldier behind on the battlefield and are now dedicated to not leaving them behind once they return home.

Purple Heart Homes already has the home selected for Leo. It will be renovated for handicap accessibility including walls removed, new storage space, and his favorite spot: a new garage which will be his very own safe place.

Said Leo Robinson,“This home will mean the world to me. I’ve wanted roots for a long time; now I can create them. I need a place that is mine and accessible.” When asked what he is most looking forward to, Leo’s reply was, “hanging personal things that have meaning to me on the walls.” I’ll have a real home now, and hopefully I’ll be able to see my children more often.”

ABOUT NOTRE DAME COLLEGE

For 91 years, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College has grown strategically to keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of students and the dramatic changes in higher education. But it has never lost sight of its emphasis on teaching students not only how to make a good living but also how to live a good life.

Today, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master's degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. Notre Dame College offers 22 NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women and is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood just 25 minutes from the heart of Cleveland. Highlights of the Notre Dame experience include stimulating academics, personalized attention of dedicated faculty and staff and small class sizes.

Our Mission

Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922 as a Catholic, four-year liberal arts institution for women, Notre Dame College sits on 48 picturesque wooded acres, tucked away in South Euclid, a quiet suburban neighborhood just 25 minutes from downtown Cleveland, Ohio.

A Catholic institution in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame, the College educates a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility.

Since Notre Dame College began admitting men in 2001, enrollment has reached almost 2,000 students. The College offers associate's, bachelor's and master's degrees in over 30 disciplines as well as 22 scholarship athletic sports.